Definition
What Is Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome?
Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder. Antibodies are a type of protein that normally help defend the body against infection. However, in APS the body makes antibodies that mistakenly attack phospholipids – a type of fat. When antibodies attack phospholipids, cells become damaged. This damage causes the formation of blood clots in the body's arteries and veins.
Normally, blood clotting is a normal process in the body. Blood clots help close small cuts or blood vessel walls. This condition occurs to prevent you from losing too much blood. APS condition occurs when there are too many blood clots that block blood flow and damage organs.
How Common Is Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome?
APS can occur in people of all ages. However, it is more common in women and in people who have other autoimmune or rheumatic disorders, such as lupus.
Signs & Symptoms
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome?
The main signs and symptoms of blood clots include:
- Chest pain and shortness of breath.
- Pain, redness, feeling hot, and swelling in the legs.
- Ongoing headache.
- Change in speech.
- Upper body discomfort in the arms, back, neck, and jaw.
- Nausea (feeling sick to the stomach).
Stroke symptoms such as slurred speech, paralysis, numbness, weakness, vision loss, and swallowing problems may occur.
Other parts of the body that are affected include the lungs, digestive tract, kidneys, and skin.
Pregnant women can suffer spontaneous abortions, and the blood system can be compromised, resulting in anemia (low red blood cell count) or thrombocytopenia (low platelet count). There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.
When Should I See A Doctor?
You should call your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Experiencing the signs or symptoms listed above.
- Pregnant women with APS.
- Taking anticoagulants and having signs of overdose.
Reasons
What Causes Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome?
Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) occurs when the immune system makes antibodies (proteins) that attack phospholipids.
The cause is unknown. It cannot be passed down from generation to generation. Antiphospholipid antibodies are thought to have interactions with the body's clotting system, so people are predisposed to deep vein thrombosis (formation of a blood clot or thrombus, usually in a leg vein) and arterial thrombosis (clot in a vein). These clots can cause heart attacks and strokes. Antiphospholipid antibodies are called lupus anticoagulant and anticardiolipin antibodies. The condition is found in people with systemic lupus erythematosus (an autoimmune disease, which causes the body's own immune system to attack). Other risk factors for developing APS include rheumatoid arthritis, Scheel's syndrome, and Sjogren's syndrome. Antibiotic drugs such as hydralazine (for blood pressure), quinine (for leg cramps), and sometimes also can cause APS.
Risk factors
What Increases My Risk For Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome?
There are many risk factors for antiphospholipid antibody syndrome APS, such as:
- People who have autoimmune disorders or other rheumatic conditions.
- Smoke.
- Prolonged rest.
- Pregnancy and the postpartum period.
- Birth control pills and hormone therapy.
- Cancer and kidney disease.
Treatment
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
What Are My Treatment Options For Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome?
APS cannot be cured, however, the use of medication can help prevent complications. The goals of treatment are to prevent blood clots and keep existing blood clots from getting bigger. Your doctor may give you heparin and warfarin. Routine blood tests are needed to monitor blood viscosity levels. If APS is caused by another disease, it is important to treat that disease as well. Pregnant women who have APS are usually treated with heparin and low-dose aspirin. Warfarin is not used as a treatment during pregnancy because it can harm the fetus.
What Are The Usual Tests For Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome?
Your doctor can use a blood test to confirm the diagnosis of APS. This test checks the blood for any of the three APS antibodies: lupus anticoagulant, anti-cardiolipin, beta-2 glycoprotein I. You may need a second blood test to confirm a more positive result. This is because a one-time test can be the result of a short-term infection. A second blood test is often done 12 weeks or more after the first.
Home Remedies
What Are Some Lifestyle Changes Or Home Remedies That Can Be Done To Treat Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome?
Here are lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome APS:
- Avoid sports activities that involve direct physical contact.
- Use a soft toothbrush.
- Use an electric shaver.
- Be careful when using knives, scissors and other sharp objects.
- Limit eating foods that contain vitamin K such as broccoli, mustard greens, soybeans. Vitamin K can make warffin less effective.
- Consult your doctor before using any medications or supplements.
If you have any questions, consult a doctor for the best solution for your problem.